About The Retreat
2023 Dates
FEB 4 – 17 or 24
MAR 3 – 16 or 23
APR 7 – 20 or 27
2024 Dates
FEBRUARY 4 – 17 or 24
MARCH 3 – 16 or 23
APRIL 7 – 20 or 27
The Lakshmi Rising Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) program is unique, transformative, and highly regarded worldwide, with trainings held in The Sanctuary Santa Ana Costa Rica, Verona, Italy, South of France, and Costa Brava-Barcelona, Spain throughout the year.
Lakshmi Rising Vinyasa Yoga is an awareness-based practice that includes fluid, dynamic asana, kriya, pranayama, mantra, meditation, dance, wellness, self-care, and ritual for optimal health and personal growth.
Our method is a revitalizing approach to develop mindful self-awakening and cultivate strength and flexibility on all levels through the practice of yoga. We are a Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga School!
The Training
This course offers a robust introduction to the Lakshmi Rising Hatha Vinyasa Flow method in an intensive, transformational environment.
Lakshmi Rising’s YTT encompasses our mission of education, empowerment, and evolution; draws from many traditions; and emphasises more than the physical practice of yoga.
We are where sweat, strength, flexibility, and fun meet softness, quiet, introspection, and self-love. And we work with your schedule!
Students can choose from two options: a 21-day immersion intensive or a 14-day immersion intensive followed by supplemental online coursework that can be completed within one year.
The program draws from many traditions and emphasises more than the physical practice of Yoga. We will explore and experience classical Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, the importance of ritual, the magic of mantra, philosophy from the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, awareness of the subtle energies within and around us, and a deep connection to Nature as our teacher.
Our asana practice is Hatha Vinyasa, Vinyasa meaning the fluid and purposeful integration of breath and movement. You will gain an understanding of proper alignment for over 108 asana, sun salutations for all levels, creative and smart sequencing, core based strength exercises, enhancing postures with hands-on adjustments, how to incorporate music into a class, how to use props and how to work with special populations.
The YTT schedule is very full and does not leave much unstructured time to explore on your own. Please come a few days early or plan a few days after the program to do that.
Teacher
DR. LIZ LINDH, ERYT-500 / FOUNDER & PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Dr. Liz Lindh is the Founder & Program Director of Lakshmi Rising Yoga & Wellness, a portal for health, spirituality, creativity, and community.
Currently based in Costa Rica, Liz facilitates transformative, Yoga Alliance-approved Yoga Teacher Trainings, luxurious yoga retreats, and wellness workshops in Costa Rica and across the globe.
She offers lifestyle inspiration for empowerment and awakening through movement, meditation, ritual, self-care, exploration of the natural world, environmental stewardship, and creative self-expression; all in support of personal and collective evolution and healing.
Liz is a Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, holistic skincare and natural beauty expert, yoga teacher, and yoga teacher trainer. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and a Masters of Oriental Medicine degree from the East West College of Natural Medicine, along with additional training and certifications across many health and wellness disciplines including Ayurveda, meditation, acu-point injection therapy, psychology, functional medicine, holistic nutrition, and herbal medicine.
Sample schedule
Typical Daily Schedule (subject to change)
6:00am-7:00am: Optional pranayama, meditation & chanting
7:30am-9:00am: Sadhana: Asana, Pranayama & Mantra
9:00am-10:00am: Silent Hour / Breakfast
11:00am-2:00pm: Classroom Training Session
2:00pm-3:00pm: Gaia Gourmet Lunch
3:00pm-5:00pm: Living Yoga: Taking the practice off the mat, self-care, exploration, time to work on assignments & projects
5:00pm-7:00pm: Classroom Training Session
7:00pm-8:00pm: Gaia Gourmet Dinner with Gratitude Practice
Required Texts
The books you will need to purchase, read before the training (if possible), and bring with you are:
Prakriti: Your Ayurvedic Constitution by Dr. Robert Svoboda
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali by Swami Satchidananda
The Heart of Yoga by T.K.V. Desikachar
Yoga Anatomy, third edition, by Leslie Kaminoff
Teaching Yoga by Mark Stephens
All are available as ebooks.
Course Overview
Total Contact Hours:
21-day…264
14-day…201.5
What is Lakshmi Rising?
Learning Objective: During our opening circle, we discuss the course overview, introduce the power of intention and ritual, share collective introductions among the kula (community), and explain the Lakshmi Rising concept. We also go over the course requirements.
What is Yoga?
2 total hours
Learning Objective: Students collectively define yoga. A brief cultural history of yoga and classical definitions of Yoga are discussed. Concepts like Samkhya philosophy and the Vedic tradition of India are introduced.
Art of Shape Shifting
2 total hours
Learning Objective: For this photography project, students are given a list of asanas that are a part of the Lakshmi Rising curriculum. With a partner or small group, students photographically document their understanding of these poses on the first and last days of the training program.
This illustrates their growth and transformation during the yoga teacher certification course, and their understanding of the physical and energetic alignment of each asana.
The Legacy of Krishnamacharya
1 total hour
Learning Objective: The global influence of Krishnamacharya and his primary students, their stories and contributions to modern yoga are introduced. Other popular styles of yoga are also discussed.
Patanjali, the Eight Limbs of Yoga and Selected Yoga Sutras
2 total hours
Learning Objective: This is an introduction to yoga as a philosophy and lifestyle that encompasses more than just the physical postures.
Yoga v/s Exercise
1 total hour
Students discuss the similarities and differences between yoga and exercise.
Yoga Philosophy: Samskara, Karma, Klesha & Pratyahara
2 total hours
Learning Objective: This discussion is designed to spark insight into what we believe and why. Students are invited to identify patterns in themselves, their relationships, and society that can be shifted through diligent self-study (svadhyaya) and through the practice of yoga.
Intro to Meditation
2 total hours
Learning Objective: Meditation as one of Patanjali’s eight limbs is defined and discussed. Modern research and classical perspectives are included in the discussion, in addition to the benefits and physiological process. Different styles and approaches are explained.
Meditation Techniques Explained
4.5 / 7.5 total hours
Learning Objective: Nyasm, lovingkindness, japa, japa mala, mindfulness, sound healing, yoga nidra, mantra, and trataka are explained in depth, so that each student has clear instruction on how to practice each of these techniques. Benefits of, variations on, and contraindications for each are also discussed.
Daily Meditation Sadhana
19.5 / 30 total hours
Learning Objective: Students actively practice lovingkindness, japa, trataka, japa mala, mindfulness, sound healing, silence, yoga nidra, mantra, and nyasm styles of meditation to directly experience the benefits and challenges. Students will note the effects of a consistent daily meditation practice for 21 days in a row.
Daily Morning Asana Sadhana
19.5 / 30 total hours
Learning Objective: These 90 minute daily modules include asana, pranayama, mantra, kriya, and mudra. They are designed to stretch, tone, and heal the body. Lakshmi Rising specialty yoga master classes not only move the body, but also stir the heart and mind. They weave classical yogic concepts with modern anatomical intelligence, inspiration for self-observation, and spiritual wisdom.
Sequencing Concepts and Techniques
11 / 13 total hours
Learning Objective: In this 90-minute daily module following the morning sadhana, the instructor explains the preceding practice. Our morning yoga classes are based on the Lakshmi Rising Hatha Vinyasa method of building a sequence around a cohesive theme and variations on that theme—physically, and often mentally, emotionally, and spiritually as well.
In each of these break-down sessions, an asana (the peak pose of the day) is explained in detail including benefits and effects, modifications and variations, anatomical alignment details, and contraindications.
The entire class is collectively discussed and written down. This provides students with a library of intentional, versatile sequences to reference for inspiration when putting together their own classes.
This session also serves as a Q&A about any part of the morning practice. Students gain experiential perspective on designing and teaching a yoga class and clarification about the class elements.
3 total hours
Learning Objective: Basic and advanced concepts specific to hatha vinyasa yoga in the lineage of Sri Krishnamacharya are defined, as well as elements unique to Lakshmi Rising.
This gives students a map to follow regarding what to include in vinyasa-style classes, and why. Concepts such as surya namaskar (sun salutations), vinyasa krama (flows), kriya (repetitive movements), and connecting vinyasa (linking sequences) are explored.
Different categories of asana are defined. Regions of the body are identified. Muscles, bones, nerves, organs, and connective tissues are explained in relation to different types of postures and positions. Cautions and contraindications, range of motion, and general benefits of posture groupings are explained.
The Art of Intelligent Sequencing
5 total hours
Learning Objective: Students will gain a solid understanding of how to sequence a vinyasa class using the Lakshmi Rising method. Concepts such as theme and variation in asana, peak pose, vinyasa krama, connecting vinyasa, music, philosophical themes, and timing are covered. Students work in small groups to design a class and receive feedback.
Intro to Yoga Anatomy: Defining Asana and Alignment
3 total hours
Learning Objective: This module includes Krishmacharya’s and Patanjali’s definition of asana. Students working together in partners or small groups to perform a postural analysis, and an overview of common alignment mistakes is presented.
Asana Teaching Lab
18 / 24 total hours
Learning Objective: Different asanas are explained and demonstrated. The anatomy of each asana is discussed, as well as variations, modifications, benefits, contraindications, and hands-on assists, adjustments, and enhancements. Students work in pairs or small groups to practice teaching asana and mini-sequences.
Pranayama Teaching Lab
7 / 9 total hours
Learning Objective: Students will practice teaching box breathing, alternate nostril breathing, kapalabhati, bhastrika, bumble bee breath and sitali pranayama to acquire the understanding of how to share these techniques.
Practicum
5 total hours
Learning Objective: Students will design and teach a 30 minute class to the larger group. They will receive feedback from their teachers and peers.. They will be required to submit the class plan in written form, as well as practice teaching.
Hands-on Adjustments 101
1 total hour
Learning Objective: Ethical, energetic and anatomical aspects of touching yoga students are discussed. Options for student and teacher safety are explored. Similarities and differences between adjusting, assisting and enhancing asana are considered. Contraindications are explained. Verbal and energetic assists are also explained.
Yoga Sutra Discussion: Yama and Niyama
2.5 / 4 total hours
Learning Objective: Students learn the ethical aspects of relating to self and others in this exploration of the yamas and niyamas. Different translations of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras are referenced, as well as current application of these ancient and timeless guidelines to living a yogic lifestyle.
Pranayama Defined: May the Force be with You
2 total hours
Learning Objective: Pranayama as one of Patanjali’s eight limbs is defined and discussed. The anatomy of the respiratory system is explained. Concepts such as sama vritti(even breath), visama vritti (uneven breath), kumbhaka (breath retention), and vayu (wind) are defined. Benefits and contraindications are also explained.
Koshas: Energetic Anatomy of the Human Experience
1.5 total hours
Learning Objective: An overview of the yogic perspective on the multi-dimensional complexity of the human being. Physical body, energetic body, the mind, the intuition and personality and also the “bliss body” will be discussed and explained in the context of the panacha maya koshas.
Secrets of the Bandhas
2 total hours
Learning Objective: Students receive theoretical and experiential information about hasta, pada, mula, uddiyana, jalandhara and maha bandhas. We discuss benefits, contraindications, and physical and energetic anatomy, and explore several different techniques for teaching and self-practice.
Mantra: Tools for the Mind
1 total hour
Learning Objective: Different chants are explained and practiced to expose students to this ancient form of yoga.
Stepping into the Role of Teacher
3 / 5 total hours
Learning Objective: The concept of lineage is defined. Students reflect on their own lineage and identify their strengths and weaknesses as a teacher. We discuss what it means to be a teacher, yoga teacher, educator, guide, and leader.
Creating Sacred Space
6 hours
Learning Objective: Students will have the opportunity to create an altar and explain their concept to the group. They will also lead a group dinner blessing. When each student holds the role of sacred space holder, they will also assist the lead instructor in any area where help is necessary. This is important to understand that there is more to teaching yoga than just showing up for a class.
Quiz and Review
3 total hours
Learning Objective: In two quizzes—at the beginning of weeks two and three—students have 45 minutes to take each quiz and 45 minutes to go over the quiz as a group. This emphasizes important course content and gives students a gauge of their strengths and weaknesses.
Concepts in Ahimsa: Plant Based Nutrition for the Health of the Whole
24 / 38 total hours
Learning Objective: Students will explore one of Patanjali’s eight limbs of yoga, yama. The first of these ethical observances is ahimsa, non-harming of self and others. We apply this principle to our yogic lifestyle by adhering to a lacto-ovo vegetarian diet for 21 days.
Our mealtimes are not only an opportunity to practice mindful eating, but also a time to educate students about plant-based nutrition. Students gain first-hand experience of the benefits of a vegetarian lifestyle in harmony with Ayurvedic principles.
Living Yoga
30+ / 40+ total hours
Learning Objective: This is the beauty of an immersive training. We encourage you to experience life through the lens of yoga. Conversation, excursions, self-care time…applying the principles of yogic lifestyle off the mat is the true practice. Every hour of our time together is a part of the training. There is no compartmentalization.
Yoga-Related Film
3 / 4 total hours
Learning Objective: Students will get a recap and summary of course content by watching a documentary and several short videos on YouTube.
Non-Contact Hours:
Reading Assignments, Self-Study and Related Projects
20+ total hours
Learning Objective: Students will learn multiple perspectives on the general course content by reading the course manual and textbooks.
21-Day Only
Ayurveda
3 total hours
Learning Objective: Students will be introduced to Ayurveda as a sister science to yoga: yoga being a path to purify the mind and Ayurveda a path to purify the body. An overview of the five elements, three doshas, dinacharya (daily routine) guidelines, and living in harmony with our environment are given.
Dynamic Use of Language and Music
6 total hours
Learning Objectives: Creative and conscious verbal guidance is one key to skillful teaching. In this module, we explore different approaches to public speaking, various approaches to cuing alignment, filler words, and creative use of verbs and metaphors. There is also discussion about how to effectively use music.
What Next? The Business of Teaching Yoga
3 total Hours
Learning Objective: Students will learn how and why to register with Yoga Alliance. We discuss teaching options and possibilities; how to find teaching opportunities and what to expect; continuing education; mentorship and higher-level trainings; hosting and attending workshops, retreats, and special events; marketing alliances; social media; and how to write a bio, resume, and mission statement.
Recommended (not required) projects to complete at home:
3+ hours to research and write 1000-word essay
10+ hours teaching community classes
10+ hours of community service
6 hours to plan one ayurvedic meal specific to your vikruti; shop or grow, cook, eat, and clean up
14-Day Online Course Work
Online Asana Class
10.5 total hours
Learning Objective: Students will continue the 90 minute morning practice for 7 more days online with pre-recorded classes on YouTube.
Daily Meditation
10.5 total hours
Learning Objective: Students actively practice lovingkindness, japa, trataka, japa mala, mindfulness, sound healing, yoga nidra, mantra, and nyasm styles of meditation daily, and additionally an hour of silence in the morning for 7 days to directly experience the benefits and challenges. Students will have the opportunity to note the effects of a consistent daily meditation practice for 21 days in a row.
Chakras, Nadis, Koshas: Energetic Anatomy of the Human Experience
10 total hours
Learning Objective: This module gives students an overview of the energy-body through the lens of yoga.
Ayurveda
7 total hours
Learning Objective: Students will be introduced to Ayurveda as a sister science to yoga: yoga being a path to purify the mind and Ayurveda a path to purify the body. An overview of the five elements, three doshas, dinacharya (daily routine) guidelines, and living in harmony with our environment are given.
Yoga Sutra Discussion: Yama and Niyama
4 total hours
Learning Objective: Students learn the ethical aspects of relating to self and others in this exploration of the yamas and niyamas. Different translations of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras are referenced, as well as current applications of these ancient and timeless guidelines to living a yogic lifestyle.
Dynamic Use of Language
2 total hours
Learning Objectives: Creative and conscious verbal guidance is one key to skillful teaching. In this module, we explore different approaches to public speaking, various approaches to cuing alignment, filler words, and creative use of verbs and metaphors.
What Next? The Business of Teaching Yoga
3 total hours
Learning Objective: Students will learn how and why to register with Yoga Alliance. We discuss teaching options and possibilities; how to find teaching opportunities and what to expect; continuing education; mentorship and higher-level trainings; hosting and attending workshops, retreats, and special events; marketing alliances; social media; and how to write a bio, resume, and mission statement.
Short Videos on YouTube
2 total hours
Learning Objective: Watch the playlist of selected shorts on our YouTube channel for inside into yoga from many different perspectives.
1000-word essay
3 total hours
Learning Objective: Research and write about anything you want to learn more about as an opportunity to go deeper.
Recommended (not required) projects to complete at home:
10+ hours teaching community classes
10+ hours of community service
6 hours to plan one ayurvedic meal specific to your vikruti; shop or grow, cook, eat, and clean up
Activities
We have carefully curated three excursions for you to experience & enjoy local Costa Rican health and wellness culture.
La Chimbra: a huge and beautiful mountainside property that includes options for a 5k or 9k hike, a tour of a traditional coffee producing village, zip-lining, and even a high ropes course.
Toucan Rescue Ranch and Sibu Chocolate: SLOTHS! We start the day visiting an ethically run private animal rescue center where we learn about Costa Rican wildlife and the contemporary dangers that they face. We will have a chance to view some of their resident animals up-close, including sloths, owls, wild cats, spider monkeys and a river otter (all of these animals can not be released into the wild because of injuries that prevent their natural survival). This is not a zoo.
After this visit we will enjoy lunch and chocolate tasting at the epic Sibu Chocolate. Sibö’s Chocolate Tasting Tour is an interactive tasting experience and presentation on the history of chocolate at their artisan chocolate workshop and restaurant, set in a garden just outside the quaint village of San Isidro de Heredia. During the hour-long experience, their master chocolatiers share samples of fresh cacao fruit (when available) as well as roasted cacao beans, indigenous hot chocolate, as well as European-style bonbons freshly made on the premises. We’ll trace the flavor evolution of chocolate, from its role as a sacred ceremonial drink for native Costa Ricans to its use as a stimulating elixir for European aristocracy, all the way to innovative recipes today. We will leave with a deeper appreciation for chocolate and an expanded sensibility about this “food of the gods”, and hopefully a few boxes of the most delicious chocolate I’ve ever tasted!
The Green Ark Foundation Ethnobotanical Gardens: The Ark is the largest botanical garden in Costa Rica. Walk in the gardens and learn about the medicinal plants with stories and anecdotes about the herbs and flowers with their botanists while you enjoy the incredible view of the San Jose valley with the birds and butterflies that reside in this beautiful refuge, or go at your own pace, read the signs and relax on the benches placed throughout the gardens, enjoy your own private walk in the relaxed manner of the Costa Rican lifestyle with only a site map as your guide. The Ark Restaurant offers a garden-to-table five course tasting menu bursting with fresh, crisp delicious ingredients harvested in the early hours of the morning. Imagine starting your dining experience in the garden where the ingredients for your meal are harvested before your eyes! Their restaurant takes your palate to an entirely new level of flavor while you dine surrounded by the sounds of the forest.
These excursions are optional and incur additional cost. There is lots more to do nearby, so you also have the opportunity to create your own adventure, including a visit to and hiking at nearby Poas Volcano, local museums, dentist & wellness centers and more!
Accommodation
Our newest Costa Rica location is set on a private gated estate in Santa Ana upon a verdant hillside known as Alto de Las Palomas. This 5-acre oasis is nested against a gently sloping lawn with dramatic palm trees, manicured gardens and vibrant tropical flowers. It offers a magnificent natural environment with the comfort and facilities of a luxury retreat. This unbeatable location is close to the best cultural experiences and shopping spots, 30-minutes from SJO international airport, 90-minutes to the nearest beach, and 5-minutes to CIMA hospital, yet secluded enough to enjoy incredible sunsets in the privacy of your own jacuzzi.
The villa is a former colonial mansion full of old world charm and sophistication. It has been fully restored and updated so we can enjoy all the convenience of a luxurious modern home, including a library-lounge with wall to wall bookshelves, comfy sofas and club chairs. The guest rooms vary from cozy standard rooms to spacious luxury suites. Each room is uniquely adorned with tasteful decor and hardwood furnishings.
The delightful grounds include a fully covered open-air yoga space, blue Spanish mosaic-tiled elliptical cold water pool, jacuzzi and a sandstone deck. The outdoor common areas are ensconced in palm trees, gardens, airy Mediterranean style terraces, poolside lounging areas, and balconies that offer stunning views of the bustling capital and distant volcanoes. The weather is pleasant all year round.
We have two intensive immersion trainings scheduled at Sanctuary Santa Ana this season. We invite you to arrive at 4:00pm. Each weekday you’ll sweat and flow with a morning Lakshmi Rising Vinyasa Flow class. Basic accommodations include a shared double room, but we have options to upgrade to a single occupancy private room. The natural beauty of this region makes it a perfect site for a fabulous wellness-infused eco-adventure. Excursion options may include coffee and cacao tours, visit to and hiking at nearby Poas Volcano, local museums, wildlife sanctuaries and more!
Teacher Training investment
In US Dollars
Pay-In-Full up to 3 months before start date for Shared Room (Save $300). We will mindfully select a roommate for you: $3,299
Pay-In-Full within 3 months of start date for Shared Room. We will mindfully select a roommate for you: $3,599
Deposit Only to Secure Spot for Shared Room ($3599 total): $500
Pay Your Remaining Balance up to 30 Days before start date: $3,099
Includes
- 200 Hour Certification upon successful completion of the course
- 425 Pages of invaluable knowledge in your Lakshmi Rising YTT Manual
- 13 or 20 nights in a beautiful tropical Modern-Zen Jungle Loft
- 3 incredible, organic Gaia Gourmet vegetarian or vegan meals per day when on site
- Unlimited coffee, an assortment of teas & fresh fruit for snacks
- Super-filtered high vibration mountain spring water for drinking and bathing
- Daily housekeeping & weekly laundry service
- Options to participate in organized group excursions
- All applicable taxes included in training price
- 2 or 3 weeks making friends for life with like-minded souls from around the world
Planning and travelling
It works best to plan your travel for the day before the training begins (Sunday) and to spend Saturday night in the neighboring towns of Montezuma or Cabuya.
There are hotels, hostels, and Airbnbs at all price points. Travel delays are quite common, so this will give you some buffer time to avoid stress or missing our opening session.
The Sanctuary is 1km up in the jungle, so guest arrivals and luggage transport must be organized ahead of time. Lakshmi Rising arranges a shuttle from Montezuma to The Sanctuary’s entry point on Sunday at around noon ($5 per person). If you let us know where you will be on Saturday night, we can also arrange ground transportation from there! We will transport your luggage, but please arrive wearing sturdy river-hiking shoes for the 20-minute hike in.
The simplest route for international travel is to fly into Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaría in San José (SJO). From there, we recommend taking a short flight from San José into Tambor (if available). The domestic airlines are: SANSA, Costa Rica Green Airways, Skyway Airlines, and Aerobell.
The first three airlines listed leave from SJO’s domestic terminal. Aerobell leaves from Pavas, a 40-minute / $15 taxi ride away. Because of flight schedules, it may be necessary to stay Saturday night near the airport in San José and fly to Tambor on Sunday.
It is a beautiful 20-minute flight followed by a 40-minute taxi ride. Book this ticket ahead of time as they tend to fill up. There is a $2.25 airport tax to be paid upon disembarking the small plane–be ready with exact change.
There are also other routes you can take with a bit of research, time, and coordination. Shuttle service is available through Montezuma Expeditions or Tropical Tours for approximately $50. Shuttles leave San José early in the morning and can bring you directly to The Sanctuary’s entry point. This is about a 6-hour trip. Local buses from San José to Montezuma are available (as of July 31, 2020) on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 8am, and can be booked here.
We do not recommend renting a car.
We serve a delicious lunch on Sunday at 2:00pm, and our first training session starts at 4:00. This session is a required part of the training, so please don’t be late! Plan your departure for late morning on the final Saturday. Our program ends after breakfast, and checkout time at The Sanctuary is 10am.
FAQ’s
Please go here for our frequently asked questions.
Enquiry
To make an enquiry or book this Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training in Costa Rica, send your request to the team who will get back to you within 24 hours or email us directly on retreats@soulseedmedia.com.
